Published on
January 6, 2026

The PAAIS 2026 will be an event that will showcase the transformation role AI is playing in revolutionizing African tourism and hospitality. Scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd at the prestigious Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra, Ghana, this summit will bring together tech innovators, tourism ministries, hotel chains, and tour operators to explore how AI can be harnessed in creating the next generation of African travel experiences.

AI-Powered Travel: The Future of African Tourism

Recent trends show that 60 percent of travelers now trust AI to plan and book their entire journeys. In Africa, this means that AI is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping personalized travel experiences, which cater to the growing demand for bespoke, niche-oriented tourism. PAAIS 2026 seeks to demonstrate how African tourism operators can utilize Sovereign African AI to deliver hyper-personalized experiences—such as tailored music tours in Ghana’s jazz scene, conservation-focused treks in Rwanda, or luxury stays in Nairobi’s exclusive lodges.

Kwakye Donkor, CEO of African Tourism Partners in South Africa and an advisory member of PAAIS 2026, emphasized that AI has the potential to be the equalizer for African tourism, turning what is currently seen as generic sightseeing into high-value experiences. He highlighted that AI could help protect Africa’s tourism assets, preserve historical legacies, and empower local communities while boosting economic returns from the tourism sector.

Summit Program: Key Tracks and Highlights

The summit will feature a variety of sessions designed to showcase the practical applications of AI within the tourism sector, focusing on both macro and micro-level innovations that can drive transformation.

Smart Destination Track: This track will cover how AI can streamline biometric systems and enable frictionless cross-border travel within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By improving the ease of travel within Africa, this initiative aims to solve one of the continent’s most significant barriers: cumbersome border procedures that hinder the movement of tourists and affect intra-Africa travel. This session will bring together governments, technology experts, and travel authorities to design seamless travel experiences across African borders.SME Digitalisation Lab: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism industry, such as boutique lodges and local guides, will benefit from this practical workshop on deploying AI-driven 24/7 digital concierges. This initiative is crucial for empowering smaller operators, allowing them to offer competitive services similar to global booking giants like Booking.com and Airbnb. By utilizing AI tools, SMEs can improve customer service, enhance operational efficiency, and increase bookings.AI for Conservation: As Africa is home to some of the world’s most unique and valuable natural resources, the AI for Conservation session will explore how acoustic sensors and predictive AI models can be used to protect wildlife from poaching and mitigate the impact of climate change. With the increasing popularity of eco-tourism, these technological innovations will be critical in ensuring that Africa’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. This session will demonstrate how AI can aid in safeguarding Africa’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism.Creator Crawl: This curated immersion program will allow digital storytellers and content creators to explore Africa’s tourism offerings through AI-enhanced tools. By using AI-driven content tools, digital influencers can create immersive and engaging experiences that showcase Africa’s diverse destinations to a younger, tech-savvy audience. The Creator Crawl will focus on reaching Generation Z travelers, who are increasingly looking for unique, authentic travel experiences shared through social media and digital content platforms.

AI and Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Tourism and Technology

The summit will also feature a call for industry collaboration, inviting tourism boards, hospitality groups, and aviation leaders to participate in a fusion of tourism and technology. One of the main collaborative efforts will focus on co-designing data-sharing agreements for predictive traveler analytics, which can help anticipate traveler trends and optimize tourism offerings across the continent. Furthermore, pilot programs for AI-managed Green Hotels will be launched, addressing the rising demand for sustainable travel options and helping Africa position itself as a leading destination for eco-conscious tourists.

The Pan African AI & Innovation Summit is not only about the technological aspects of AI but also about ensuring that Africa’s tourism industry provides lasting economic benefits to communities across the continent. By incorporating AI into the tourism value chain, the summit organizers hope to make sure that both urban and rural communities benefit from the growth in international tourism, ensuring that African tourism remains inclusive and sustainable.

A Global Vision for Africa’s Future Tourism Economy

The Pan African AI & Innovation Summit is landmark for Africa in the quest to expand the ethical AI ecosystem of the continent while simultaneously transforming the tourism sector. The summit will bring together in excess of 2,000 delegates and create an important platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between technology experts and leaders in the tourism industry. This integration of AI into the tourism strategies of Africa is hoped to unleash the full tourism potential of the continent, allowing it to compete with leading global destinations.